It’s hard to imagine any successful business that doesn’t have a strong digital presence. From your favorite fashion brand to your food delivery service of choice. No matter what the industry, a stunning, easy-to-use, on-brand website plays a pivotal role in connecting and selling to customers.

Talented front-end developers are responsible for everything you see and interact with online. They create sites and web apps that millions of people use every single day.

It comes as no surprise that a career in front-end development offers some serious job security. The role is highly sought-after and aspiring developers can expect a lucrative compensation package.

If you want to learn more about what a front-end professional does, read on. Let’s start by exploring the difference between front-end and back-end web development.

Which Tech Career is Right for You?

Ready to change your career and join the world’s next workforce? At Thinkful, we’ve got your back with various tech programs to get you equipped with in-demand skills.


Front-End vs Back-End Developers

Front-end developers (also known as client-side developers) work on features that users can see and access. They usually come from a graphic design background and have skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, user interface (UI) design, and user experience (UX) design.

Back-end developers (sometimes called server-side developers) are responsible for site functionality and background processes. They’re technical professionals and masters of data and coding. PHP, Java, Python, SQL, and database design are common skills needed to become a back-end developer.

To learn more on this topic check out our post on the difference between a front-end and back-end developer.

Responsibilities of a Front-End Developer

Front-end development is a varied role that covers the user-facing aspects of a site. Here’s a list of some of the responsibilities you can expect:

The actual responsibilities you’ll have as a front-end developer will vary depending on the specific industry you’re working in and the size of the company.

Front-End Development Skills

If you want to cut it in the front-end development world you’ll need to work hard and learn the necessary skills. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to focus on:

You’ll need to learn front-end tools and techniques to stand out in the crowded job market. Front-end developers work closely with graphic designers. Plenty of cross-over exists between the two roles so it’s also useful to learn the latest graphic design packages. This will help you understand the design process much better. Here are some important tools you’ll need to master:

Fast-Track Your Web Dev Career

To join the next generation of web developers and kickstart your tech career, enroll in our UX/UI bootcamp. Our course will teach you everything you need to get started in this exciting field.

You’ll learn how to create memorable web experiences using slick interfaces and stunning designs. Gain experience working in teams on real-life projects as you follow our up-to-date curriculum. You’ll also receive professional one-on-one mentoring from experienced designers.

If you’re more interested in the technical side of things, we also offer full-stack web dev courses. Feel free to browse our tech blog to learn more about the different fields you can become part of.

Learn to Code with Thinkful

Take the proven path to a high-income career with professional mentorship and support, flexible ways to pay, and real-world, project-based learning.


Share this article